UCLA researchers have developed a way to use stem cells to help potentially rebuild damaged spinal cords. In a study published in January, researchers in the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research established a way to derive sensory interneurons, which are cells involved in reflexes and relaying sensory information […]
Author Archives: Joseph Ong
UCLA researchers determine atomic structure of defective prions
UCLA researchers have determined the atomic structure of part of a protein that causes certain neurodegenerative diseases. In a study published earlier in January, researchers in the lab of Jose Rodriguez, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, determined the structure of a segment of prion, a protein that causes diseases such as mad cow disease, […]
UCLA researchers devise efficient, low-cost method for gene synthesis
UCLA researchers have developed a new method of making genes that is about 100-times cheaper than current methods. Researchers in the department of chemistry and biochemistry and the Molecular Biology Institute created a new technique called DropSynth. In a study published Jan. 4, they showed their method allows researchers to build hundreds of genes at […]
UCLA research team finds that Ebola survivors retain immunity
UCLA researchers have discovered that Ebola survivors retain immunity to the virus even 40 years after contracting the disease. In a study published in December, UCLA researchers led by Anne Rimoin, associate professor of epidemiology, demonstrated that survivors of the 1976 Ebola outbreak in Central Africa still have antibodies against the Ebola virus. The presence […]
UCLA researchers create device to make hydrogen more efficiently
UCLA researchers have designed a device to efficiently store solar energy as hydrogen fuel. In a study published in September, researchers led by Richard Kaner, a professor of chemistry and materials science, designed a device that uses solar energy to create hydrogen gas. The palm-sized device houses thin films of metal, which store solar energy […]
UCLA researchers discover novel role for protein involved in muscles
UCLA researchers have found a new role for a protein involved in muscle function. In a study published Nov. 10, researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry discovered a new role for the human protein FHOD1 in accelerating the assembly of actin, one of the main proteins in the structure of muscles. Researchers, led […]
Visiting professor gives seminar on benefits of carbon dioxide
A visiting physics professor said he thinks rising carbon dioxide levels have contributed little to climate change at a talk Monday. William Happer, a professor emeritus in physics at Princeton University, gave a seminar called “Some Thoughts on Climate” to more than 90 chemistry graduate students and faculty in Young Hall. Happer said that carbon […]